Ezekiel 41:11
And the doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about.
Original Language Analysis
וּפֶ֥תַח
And the doors
H6607
וּפֶ֥תַח
And the doors
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
1 of 17
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
הַצֵּלָע֙
of the side chambers
H6763
הַצֵּלָע֙
of the side chambers
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
2 of 17
a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje
הַמֻּנָּ֔ח
that was left
H3240
הַמֻּנָּ֔ח
that was left
Strong's:
H3240
Word #:
3 of 17
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
וּפֶ֥תַח
And the doors
H6607
וּפֶ֥תַח
And the doors
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
4 of 17
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
אֶחָ֖ד
and another
H259
אֶחָ֖ד
and another
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
toward
H1870
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
toward
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 17
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
הַצָּפ֔וֹן
the north
H6828
הַצָּפ֔וֹן
the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
וּפֶ֥תַח
And the doors
H6607
וּפֶ֥תַח
And the doors
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
8 of 17
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
אֶחָ֖ד
and another
H259
אֶחָ֖ד
and another
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מְק֣וֹם
of the place
H4725
מְק֣וֹם
of the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַמֻּנָּ֔ח
that was left
H3240
הַמֻּנָּ֔ח
that was left
Strong's:
H3240
Word #:
13 of 17
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
H520
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern temples typically had storage chambers for cultic implements and priestly supplies. The vision's symmetrical north-south orientation differs from Solomon's temple, suggesting eschatological fulfillment beyond mere historical reconstruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the careful balance between accessibility and sanctity in temple design inform how we approach corporate worship?
- What does the provision of light and space around God's dwelling teach about His desire for openness rather than obscurity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left—the strategic placement of entrances toward the open space (hannitstsav, הַנִּצָּב, that which was left/reserved) allowed access while maintaining temple sanctity. One door north, another south, created symmetrical access without compromising the east-west orientation toward God's glory.
The breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about—this reserved space provided circulation and light, preventing the claustrophobic darkness that would dishonor God's dwelling. The repeated five-cubit measurement throughout the vision emphasizes divine order and mathematical perfection in God's design.